REVIEW: Arcane Tech in Doctor Aphra #16

by Rebecca Kaplan · Published November 29, 2021 · Updated November 29, 2021

In Doctor Aphra #16 by Alyssa Wong, Minkyu Jung, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Joe Caramagna, the eponymous antihero and smuggler Sana Starros had been charged with the task of infiltrating Qi’ra’s criminal organization, Crimson Dawn, by the Tagge Corporation… But then they ran into the thought dowser in Aphra #15, a device so messed-up not even the Sith will touch it.

The Tagges are playing games… Photo Credit: Marvel Comics.

Fortunately, if there’s one thing Aphra is used to facing, it’s consequences!

“Resurrections”

Broken electro-tattoos. Photo Credit: Marvel Comics.

First of all, I enjoyed the way that Aphra’s arm machinery was foregrounded in this story. While Aphra’s arm has always been a cool aspect of her character design, it was nice to see the purpose of these electro-tattoos explored.

Then, I enjoyed hearing more about how Aphra views the world. Her perspective on working for the Rebellion and Vader is that they’re both powerful entities who just want to use others as pawns in their own games, which is perceptive.

Give me a hand. Photo Credit: Marvel Comics.

Plus, this issue has scenes that take place on Canto Bight, which has been one of my favorite Star Wars locales since it first made its debut. I’m glad it continues to be featured in at least some corners of the galaxy!

Finally, this issue has a panel that has the potential to be used as a reaction image for a long, long time. Behold!

Good job, Aphra. Photo Credit: Marvel Comics.

For those who are a fan of the scum and villainy side of Star Wars, the Marvel Comics continue to be the only game in town, with titles like Doctor Aphra and Bounty Hunters bringing consistently interesting characters and antics to us issue after issue!